'CAA already in place for people like us': Danish Kaneria explains his stance on 'desire for India citizenship'

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria slammed people questioning his intention about seeking Indian citizenship through his strong and positive views on the country. Kaneria, who has played 61 Tests and 18 ODIs, is among the few Hindu cricketers to have represented Pakistan in international cricket. The former spinner has also been vocal about the discrimination he faced in the country because of his religion and has previously made serious allegations against Shahid Afridi, claiming he tried persuading him to convert to Islam.

In a lengthy social media post on Saturday, the spinner expressed: "Lately, I have seen many people questioning me, asking why I do not speak about Pakistan, why I comment on Bharat’s internal matters, and some even alleging that I do all this for Bharatiya citizenship. I feel it is important to set the record straight.

"From Pakistan and its people, I have received much, above all, the love of the awam. But alongside that love, I also faced deep discrimination from Pakistani authorities and the PCB, including attempts of forced conversion.

"Regarding Bharat and its citizenship, let me be absolutely clear. Pakistan may be my Janmabhoomi, but Bharat, the land of my ancestors, is my Matrubhumi. For me, Bharat is like a temple. At present, I have no plans to seek Bharatiya citizenship. If in the future someone like me chooses to do so, the CAA is already in place for people like us."

Under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), members of persecuted minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, who have been living in the country are eligible to apply for Indian citizenship.